Film Theory
Film Theory
Film theory is about analysing a movie as art. This is the area of film criticism, discussing the content of a story that is told not only by words and actions, but by moving images, lighting, camera angle, and suggested meaning and cultural resonance. Film theory is about how the cinematic story actually works in society.
Critical theory that is drawn on across the arts spectrum can be applied to film. Psychoanalysis, feminist criticism, structuralism, screen theory, Formalism, all can supply conceptual tools for understanding the relationship between film and wider culture.
Heavy stuff! And challenging for the newcomer to studying film, but this section of Suite101 has some articles that make some of that accessible.
topic editor
Valerie Williamson -
Dr. Val Williamson is a freelance journalist and academic specialising in historical and popular culture topics.